‘Absolute joke’: World Cup unrest over haves and have-nots

Tensions have emerged at the Rugby League World Cup in Australia, with officials from smaller nations voicing frustration over financial and accommodation disparities compared to the hosts. Governing bodies reportedly faced charges of up to $30,000 for corporate suites at their own fixtures. Officials also highlighted major differences in hotel quality and player payments, where Australian players receive $40,000 under a collective bargaining agreement while other nations' players earn $850 per game.

ARL Commission executive chairman Peter V’landys defended the tournament's arrangements, stating the organizer covers flights, meals, accommodations, and participation fees under agreed contracts. V’landys rejected claims that Papua New Guinea threatened to abandon hosting matches over suite allocations, calling the situation a resolved misunderstanding. Meanwhile, the International Rugby League is considering changing its tournament hosting model for the 2030 World Cup.